IPE Beam: Full Form, Dimensions, Weight

The IPE beam is a European standard I-beam (narrow flange) section defined by EN 10034 (dimensions) and supplied per EN 10025 (material grades). The full form of IPE is “I-Profile European” (from the European standard Euronorm 19-57). IPE beams have a distinctive I-shaped cross-section with parallel flanges that are narrower than the beam height, making them highly efficient for bending resistance relative to their weight. They are the most commonly used steel beam profile in European construction and industrial projects.

IPE Beam Dimensions and Weight Chart

Size	Height (h) mm	Width (b) mm	Web (tw) mm	Flange (tf) mm	Weight kg/m
IPE 80	80	46	3.8	5.2	6.0
IPE 100	100	55	4.1	5.7	8.1
IPE 120	120	64	4.4	6.3	10.4
IPE 140	140	73	4.7	6.9	12.9
IPE 160	160	82	5.0	7.4	15.8
IPE 180	180	91	5.3	8.0	18.8
IPE 200	200	100	5.6	8.5	22.4
IPE 220	220	110	5.9	9.2	26.2
IPE 240	240	120	6.2	9.8	30.7
IPE 270	270	135	6.6	10.2	36.1
IPE 300	300	150	7.1	10.7	42.2
IPE 330	330	160	7.5	11.5	49.1
IPE 360	360	170	8.0	12.7	57.1
IPE 400	400	180	8.6	13.5	66.3
IPE 450	450	190	9.4	14.6	77.6
IPE 500	500	200	10.2	16.0	90.7
IPE 550	550	210	11.1	17.2	106
IPE 600	600	220	12.0	19.0	122

Dimensions per EN 10034. Fillet radius varies by size (5-24 mm). Material: S235, S275, S355 per EN 10025-2.

Key Points About IPE Beams

IPE vs HEA/HEB: The main difference between IPE and HEA/HEB beams is the flange width. IPE beams have narrow flanges (width roughly half the height), while HE beams have wide flanges (width approximately equal to the height for smaller sizes). IPE beams are more efficient in pure bending but less suitable as columns due to their lower lateral stiffness (weak-axis moment of inertia).

Naming convention: The number in the IPE designation corresponds to the actual beam height in millimeters. IPE 300 is exactly 300 mm high. This is simpler than the HEA convention, where the actual height differs from the nominal size.

Weight efficiency: IPE beams provide the best strength-to-weight ratio among European steel sections for simply supported beams. An IPE 300 weighs 42.2 kg/m and provides a section modulus of 557 cm3, whereas an HEA 200 weighs 42.3 kg/m but provides only 388.6 cm3. The IPE is 43% more efficient in bending per kilogram of steel.

Common applications in oil and gas: IPE beams are used for pipe supports, cable tray supports, walkway stringers, handrail posts, and secondary framing in industrial structures. For pipe rack main beams, HEA or HEB sections are generally preferred due to their wider flanges, which offer better connection details and lateral stability.

Common Mistake

Using IPE beams as unbraced columns. Due to the narrow flange width, IPE sections have very low weak-axis moment of inertia and are susceptible to buckling about the minor axis. If an IPE must be used as a column, ensure adequate bracing is provided in both directions, or select an HEB section that offers nearly equal stiffness about both axes for smaller sizes.

Read the full guide to IPE beams